Authentication Bypass
Authentication bypass attacks exploit flaws in the verification mechanisms that control access to systems and applications.
How It Works
Authentication bypass attacks exploit flaws in the verification mechanisms that control access to systems and applications. Instead of cracking passwords through brute force, attackers manipulate the authentication process itself to gain unauthorized entry. This typically occurs through one of several pathways: exploiting hardcoded credentials embedded in source code or configuration files, manipulating parameters in authentication requests to skip verification steps, or leveraging broken session management that fails to properly validate user identity.
The attack flow often begins with reconnaissance to identify authentication endpoints and their underlying logic. Attackers may probe for default administrative credentials that were never changed, test whether certain URL paths bypass login requirements entirely, or intercept and modify authentication tokens to escalate privileges. In multi-step authentication processes, flaws in state management can allow attackers to complete only partial verification steps while still gaining full access.
More sophisticated variants exploit single sign-on (SSO) or OAuth implementations where misconfigurations in trust relationships allow attackers to forge authentication assertions. Parameter tampering—such as changing a "role=user" field to "role=admin" in a request—can trick poorly designed systems into granting elevated access without proper verification.
Impact
- Complete account takeover — attackers gain full control of user accounts, including administrative accounts, without knowing legitimate credentials
- Unauthorized data access — ability to view, modify, or exfiltrate sensitive information including customer data, financial records, and intellectual property
- System-wide compromise — admin-level access enables installation of backdoors, modification of security controls, and complete infrastructure takeover
- Lateral movement — bypassed authentication provides a foothold for moving deeper into networks and accessing additional systems
- Compliance violations — unauthorized access triggers breach notification requirements and regulatory penalties
Real-World Examples
CrushFTP suffered a critical authentication bypass allowing attackers to access file-sharing functionality without any credentials. The vulnerability enabled direct server-side template injection, leading to remote code execution on affected systems. Attackers actively exploited this in the wild to establish persistent access to enterprise file servers.
Palo Alto's Expedition migration tool contained a flaw permitting attackers to reset administrative credentials without authentication. This allowed complete takeover of the migration environment, potentially exposing network configurations and security policies being transferred between systems.
SolarWinds Web Help Desk (CVE-2024-28987) shipped with hardcoded internal credentials that could not be changed through normal administrative functions. Attackers discovering these credentials gained full administrative access to helpdesk systems containing sensitive organizational information and user data.
Mitigation
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) — requires attackers to compromise additional verification factors beyond bypassed primary authentication
- Eliminate hardcoded credentials — use secure credential management systems and rotate all default credentials during deployment
- Enforce authentication on all endpoints — verify every request requires valid authentication; no "hidden" administrative paths should exist
- Implement proper session management — use cryptographically secure session tokens, validate on server-side, enforce timeout policies
- Apply principle of least privilege — limit damage by ensuring even authenticated users only access necessary resources
- Regular security testing — conduct penetration testing specifically targeting authentication logic and flows
Recent CVEs (32257)
Cosign's bundle verification mechanism fails to properly validate that embedded Rekor entries reference the correct artifact digest, signature, and public key, allowing an attacker with a compromised signing identity to forge valid bundles and bypass transparency log verification. A malicious actor could exploit this to create counterfeit signatures that pass validation checks, affecting users relying on Cosign for container and binary code signing verification. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability; patches are available in versions 2.6.2 and 3.0.4.
OpenProject versions before 16.6.3 allow authenticated users with View Meetings permission to bypass access controls and view meeting details from projects they lack authorization to access. This permission-based access control flaw enables information disclosure across project boundaries for low-privileged users. A patch is available in version 16.6.3 and later.
On October 1, 2025, Palantir discovered that images uploaded through the Dossier front-end app were not being marked correctly with the proper security levels. The regression was traced back to a change in May 2025, which was meant to allow file uploads to be shared among different artifacts (e.g. [CVSS 3.5 LOW]
A memory initialization issue was addressed with improved memory handling. This issue is fixed in tvOS 26.2, Safari 26.2, watchOS 26.2, visionOS 26.2, iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2, macOS Tahoe 26.2. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
A lack of rate limiting in the login page of shiori v1.7.4 and below allows attackers to bypass authentication via a brute force attack. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
A vulnerability exists in Intelbras CFTV IP NVD 9032 R Ftd V2.800.00IB00C.0.T, which allows an unauthenticated attacker to bypass the multi-factor authentication (MFA) mechanism during the password recovery process. [CVSS 8.2 HIGH]
The Ruckus vRIoT IoT Controller firmware versions prior to 3.0.0.0 (GA) expose a command execution service on TCP port 2004 running with root privileges. Authentication to this service relies on a hardcoded Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) secret and an embedded static token. An attacker who extracts these credentials from the appliance or a compromised device can generate valid authentication tokens and execute arbitrary OS commands with root privileges, resulting in complete system compr...
A vulnerability was found in BiggiDroid Simple PHP CMS 1.0. This impacts an unknown function of the file /admin/editsite.php. [CVSS 4.7 MEDIUM]
The firmware in KAON CG3000TC and CG3000T routers contains hard-coded credentials in clear text (shared across all routers of this model) that an unauthenticated remote attacker could use to execute commands with root privileges.
This vulnerability exists in Tenda wireless routers (300Mbps Wireless Router F3 and N300 Easy Setup Router) due to the transmission of credentials encoded using reversible Base64 encoding through the web-based administrative interface.
This vulnerability exists in Tenda wireless routers (300Mbps Wireless Router F3 and N300 Easy Setup Router) due to the plaintext transmission of login credentials during the initial login or post-factory reset setup through the web-based administrative interface.
GitLab has remediated an issue in GitLab EE affecting all versions from 18.4 before 18.5.5, 18.6 before 18.6.3, and 18.7 before 18.7.1 that could have allowed an authenticated user to access and utilize AI model settings from unauthorized namespaces by manipulating namespace identifiers in API requests. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper authorization vulnerability exists in RICOH Streamline NX 3.5.1 to 24R3. [CVSS 5.9 MEDIUM]
The WP Table Builder - Drag & Drop Table Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to an incorrect authorization check on the save_table() function in all versions up to, and including, 2.0.19. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Android versions up to 13.0 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass Carrier Relock (CVSS 4.6).
Android versions up to 15.0 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to execute the privileged APIs (CVSS 7.8).
Fastjson before 1.2.48 has a well-known autoType deserialization vulnerability enabling JNDI injection and RCE. Exploited in the wild since 2023 through GodzillaWebShell. Maximum CVSS 10.0 with scope change.
KAYSUS KS-WR3600 router (firmware 1.0.5.9.1) has session validation bypass – if any user is logged in, endpoints accept unauthenticated requests. Attackers piggyback on active sessions to execute privileged actions. PoC available.
Exported Activity allows external applications to gain application context and directly launch Gmail with inbox access, bypassing security controls. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Soft Serve versions prior to 0.11.2 contain an authorization bypass in the LFS lock deletion endpoint that allows authenticated users to forcibly delete locks owned by other users by exploiting improper validation order. Any user with repository write access can leverage this vulnerability to disrupt collaborative workflows by removing locks created by teammates. A public exploit exists and patches are available.
Ecase Ecomplaint versions up to 9.0.45.0 is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 7.5).
OPEXUS eCasePortal before 9.0.45.0 allows unauthenticated access to the Attachments.aspx endpoint with predictable formid values. Attackers can download, delete, or upload files without authentication.
OPEXUS eCASE Audit contains an access control bypass that allows authenticated users to circumvent administrative restrictions by manipulating client-side JavaScript or crafting direct HTTP requests to re-enable disabled functions and buttons. This vulnerability affects eCASE Platform versions prior to 11.14.1.0 and could enable attackers to perform unauthorized actions that administrators have explicitly blocked. No patch is currently available for affected deployments.
Kirby CMS versions 5.0.0-5.2.1 fail to enforce permission checks in the content changes API, allowing authenticated users with restricted roles to modify site content despite having update permissions disabled. This affects only installations with custom permission configurations designed to prevent write access for specific user roles. A patch is available in version 5.2.2.
Munir Kamal Block Slider through version 2.2.3 fails to properly enforce access control, allowing authenticated users to access sensitive information they should not have permission to view. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit this missing authorization check to read confidential data. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Improper access control in GA4WP: Google Analytics for WordPress versions up to 2.10.0 allows authenticated users to modify or disable analytics functionality through misconfigured permissions. An attacker with low-privilege WordPress access could leverage this vulnerability to manipulate analytics data or disrupt monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability carries a MEDIUM severity rating with no patch currently available.
Docket Cache versions through 24.07.04 contain an access control bypass that allows authenticated users to perform unauthorized actions due to improper permission validation. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit this vulnerability to cause denial of service or access restricted functionality. No patch is currently available.
Improper access control in the Bulk Landing Page Creator for WordPress (LPagery) plugin versions through 2.4.9 allows authenticated users to modify or delete landing pages without proper authorization checks. An attacker with low-privilege WordPress access could exploit this to tamper with site content or disrupt operations. No patch is currently available.
Wptexture Image Slider Slideshow versions through 1.8 contain an authorization bypass flaw that allows authenticated users to modify content by manipulating access control parameters. An attacker with user-level access could exploit incorrectly configured security controls to perform unauthorized actions beyond their assigned privileges. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Inadequate access control in IdeaBox Creations Dashboard Welcome for Beaver Builder (versions through 1.0.8) permits unauthorized users to modify data without proper authentication. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit misconfigured security levels to perform unauthorized actions over the network with no user interaction required. No patch is currently available to address this vulnerability.
Baqend Speed Kit versions through 2.0.2 contain an authorization bypass that allows authenticated users to modify data by exploiting misconfigured access control levels. An attacker with valid credentials could escalate privileges to alter information they should not have permission to change. No patch is currently available.
The Hakob Re Gallery & Responsive Photo Gallery Plugin through version 1.17.18 contains an authorization bypass that permits unauthenticated attackers to modify gallery content due to improperly enforced access controls. This vulnerability affects all installations of the plugin and could allow attackers to alter or deface photo galleries without authentication. No patch is currently available.
Ax1800 Firmware versions up to 4.2.0 is affected by improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts (CVSS 6.5).
Ax1800 Firmware versions up to 4.2.0 is affected by improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts (CVSS 5.1).
A Improper Authorization vulnerability in Foomuuri llows arbitrary users to influence the firewall configuration.This issue affects Foomuuri: from ? before 0.31.
Asseco ADMX system is used for processing medical records. It allows logged in users to access medical files belonging to other users through manipulation of GET arguments containing document IDs.
ZimaOS (fork of CasaOS) through 1.5.0 has an authentication bypass where passwords for system service accounts are not properly validated during login. Attackers can access the system using known service account names with any password. PoC available, EPSS 13.6%.
Asseco InfoMedica is a comprehensive solution used to manage both administrative and medical tasks in the healthcare sector. A low privileged user is able to obtain encoded passwords of all other accounts (including main administrator) due to lack of granularity in access control.
n8n versions 0.150.0 through 2.2.1 lack webhook signature verification in the Stripe Trigger node, enabling unauthenticated attackers to forge Stripe events and trigger workflows by sending crafted POST requests to known webhook URLs. Affected users with active Stripe Trigger workflows could experience unauthorized execution of automation logic, potentially allowing attackers to simulate fraudulent payment or subscription events. A patch is available in version 2.2.2 and later.
G5Theme Zorka versions up to 1.5.7 contain a missing authorization vulnerability that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to modify data through incorrectly configured access controls. An attacker can exploit this to perform unauthorized state-changing operations without proper authentication or user interaction. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Campaign Monitor Campaign Monitor for WordPress forms-for-campaign-monitor is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Shahjahan Jewel Fluent Support fluent-support allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Fluent Support: from n/a through <= 1.10.4. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
WofficeIO Woffice Core woffice-core is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 8.1).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in shinetheme Traveler traveler allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Traveler: from n/a through <= 3.2.6. [CVSS 8.1 HIGH]
Timetics WordPress plugin (through 1.0.46) allows authentication bypass via alternate path, enabling unauthenticated admin access to the booking system.
Aruba HiSpeed Cache WordPress plugin (before 3.0.3) has missing authorization allowing unauthenticated access to cache management functions with full CIA impact.
Felan Framework for WordPress (through 1.1.3) allows authentication bypass through an alternate path, enabling unauthenticated admin access.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in loopus WP Attractive Donations System - Easy Stripe & Paypal donations WP_AttractiveDonationsSystem allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects WP Attractive Donations System - Easy Stripe & Paypal donations: from n/a through <= 1.25. [CVSS 8.1 HIGH]
Blockons WordPress plugin (through 1.2.15) has missing authorization allowing unauthenticated access to restricted functionality with full CIA impact.
REHub Framework for WordPress (through 19.9.5) has missing authorization allowing unauthenticated access to restricted functionality with full CIA impact.
When using `CURLOPT_PINNEDPUBLICKEY` option with libcurl or `--pinnedpubkey` with the curl tool,curl should check the public key of the server certificate to verify the peer. [CVSS 5.9 MEDIUM]
Kanboard project management (through 1.2.48) has an authentication bypass when REVERSE_PROXY_AUTH is enabled. The application trusts HTTP headers for authentication without verifying the request came from the reverse proxy. Any attacker can impersonate any user including admins. PoC available, patch available.
Unauthorized access control in Titra versions 0.99.49 and earlier enables authenticated users to view and modify time entries belonging to other users in private projects without proper authorization. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, affecting deployments that have not upgraded to version 0.99.50. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to compromise data integrity and confidentiality of other users' tracked time information.
Facesentry Access Control System Firmware versions up to 5.7.0 is affected by cleartext transmission of sensitive information (CVSS 5.9).
FLIR Thermal Camera F/FC/PT/D Stream firmware version 8.0.0.64 contains an unauthenticated vulnerability that allows remote attackers to access live camera streams without credentials. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
LibreChat is a ChatGPT clone with additional features. Version 0.8.1-rc2 does not enforce proper access control when querying agent permissions. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
LibreChat is a ChatGPT clone with additional features. Version 0.8.1-rc2 does not enforce proper access control for file uploads to an agents file context and file search. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Tarkov Data Manager's login endpoint can be bypassed using JavaScript prototype property access combined with loose equality type coercion. Any unauthenticated user can gain full admin access. Fixed in January 2025 commits.
Hcl Devops Deploy versions up to 8.1.2.3 is affected by insufficiently protected credentials (CVSS 4.9).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in POSIMYTH Innovation The Plus Addons for Elementor Pro allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects The Plus Addons for Elementor Pro: from n/a before 6.3.7. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Authentication bypass in OpenFlagr (the openflagr/flagr feature-flag service) versions up to and including 1.1.18 lets remote unauthenticated attackers reach protected API endpoints by exploiting flawed path normalization in the HTTP middleware's prefix whitelist. Attackers can read and modify feature flags and export sensitive configuration data with no credentials. A public technical writeup ('0day speedrun') exists, but there is no public exploit identified as weaponized and no active exploitation has been confirmed; EPSS is low at 0.13%.
House Rental And Property Listing Project versions up to 1.0 is affected by improper access control (CVSS 7.3).
Missing Origin/Host header validation in Microsoft's Playwright MCP Server (versions before 0.0.40) lets a remote web page reach a developer's locally bound MCP HTTP endpoint through a DNS rebinding attack, causing unauthorized invocation of MCP tool endpoints that drive an automated browser. Publicly available exploit code exists (a proof-of-concept gist and a VulnCheck advisory), though the flaw is not listed in CISA KEV and EPSS probability is low (0.25%, 48th percentile). Exploitation requires that a victim with the server running visit an attacker-controlled page, so this is opportunistic rather than mass-scannable.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ThemeHunk Oneline Lite allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Oneline Lite: from n/a through 6.6. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Crocoblock JetEngine allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects JetEngine: from n/a through 3.8.1.1. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Bigfix Insights For Vulnerability Remediation versions up to 4.2 is affected by insufficient session expiration (CVSS 2.0).
The Piraeus Bank WooCommerce Payment Gateway plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized order status modification in all versions up to, and including, 3.1.4. This is due to missing authorization checks on the payment callback endpoint handler when processing the 'fail' callback from the payment gateway. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to change any order's status to 'failed' via the publicly accessible WooCommerce API endpoint by providing only the order ID (Merc...
Quote Comments (WordPress plugin) versions up to 3.0.0. is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
The Awesome Hotel Booking plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to incorrect authorization in the room-single.php shortcode handler in all versions up to, and including, 1.0. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
The Reviewify plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'send_test_email' AJAX action in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.6. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
The Unify plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'init' action in all versions up to, and including, 3.4.9. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
Rankology SEO and Analytics Tool (WordPress plugin) is affected by improper authorization (CVSS 2.7).
The User Activity Log plugin is vulnerable to a limited options update in versions up to, and including, 2.2. The failed-login handler 'ual_shook_wp_login_failed' lacks a capability check and writes failed usernames directly into update_option() calls. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
wolfSSH through 1.4.21 has a key exchange state machine vulnerability that can leak client passwords in cleartext, trick clients into sending bogus signatures, or skip user authentication entirely. A fundamental protocol implementation flaw.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Cloudways Breeze breeze allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Breeze: from n/a through <= 2.2.21. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
CyberChimps Responsive Addons for Elementor responsive-addons-for-elementor is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in PublishPress Post Expirator post-expirator allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Post Expirator: from n/a through <= 4.9.3. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WPFunnels Creator LMS creatorlms allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Creator LMS: from n/a through <= 1.1.12. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Tickera Tickera tickera-event-ticketing-system allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Tickera: from n/a through <= 3.5.6.4. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
BBR Plugins Better Business Reviews better-business-reviews is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Proxy & VPN Blocker Proxy & VPN Blocker proxy-vpn-blocker allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Proxy & VPN Blocker: from n/a through <= 3.5.3. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in StellarWP The Events Calendar the-events-calendar allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects The Events Calendar: from n/a through <= 6.15.12.2. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Fahad Mahmood RSS Feed Widget rss-feed-widget allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects RSS Feed Widget: from n/a through <= 3.0.2. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
CoolHappy The Events Calendar Countdown Addon countdown-for-the-events-calendar is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WPCenter AffiliateX affiliatex allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects AffiliateX: from n/a through <= 1.3.9.3. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
BoldGrid Post and Page Builder by BoldGrid post-and-page-builder is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
BuddhaThemes WeDesignTech Ultimate Booking Addon wedesigntech-ultimate-booking-addon is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
bdthemes Ultimate Store Kit Elementor Addons ultimate-store-kit is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
magepeopleteam Car Rental Manager car-rental-manager is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
Blue Access Cobalt v02.000.195 has an authentication bypass through selective request proxying. Attackers can manipulate proxy behavior to access web application functions without legitimate credentials.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32257